Police officer's head badly injured by brick

Image source, PSNI

Image caption, An officer was injured after being struck with a piece of masonry

A police officer suffered a significant head injury during disorder on the Westlink in west Belfast on Thursday.

Police said groups of young people fought each other at about 20:30 BST, with some running onto the dual carriageway.

Bricks were thrown at police officers who went to the scene.

The injured officer was hit by a piece of masonry and needed to be taken to hospital.

'Running through traffic'

He has since left hospital but will be unable to work while he recovers.

Police remained in the area throughout the evening and no further incidents were reported.

Ch Insp Claire Hamilton said officers were trying to restore order and protect young people from harm, as they were running through traffic.

鈥淎ttacks and assaults on us will not be tolerated and should be condemned by all," she said.

"We deal with difficult situations every day and are here to help.

鈥 I am appealing to parents to know where your children are and do all you can to stop them becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

"Officers continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find collaborative and proactive solutions to address the problem."

'Disgraceful attack'

Belfast West MP Paul Maskey condemned the "disgraceful attack" on the police officer.

鈥淭he young people involved in this behaviour must stop, and their parents must intervene before someone is seriously hurt or ends up in the criminal justice system," the Sinn F茅in politician said.

鈥淭hese activities by a small number of young people are not representative of our community and are in stark contrast to the hugely positive work happening every day across west Belfast."